Digital broadcast receiving method providing two-dimensional image and 3d image integration service, and digital broadcast receiving device using the same

ABSTRACT

A digital broadcast receiving apparatus for providing an integrated service of a 2D image and a 3D image. The apparatus comprising a demultiplexing unit configured to demultiplex a received digital broadcast signal; a PSIP or PSI/SI processor configured to extract at least any one of 3D service information related to a 2D image channel or service and 2D service information related to a 3D image channel or service from the demultiplexed digital broadcast signal; a decoder configured to decode an extension view video stream and a base view video stream from the demultiplexed digital broadcast signal; and an output formatting unit configured to format the extension view video stream and the base view video stream based on at least any one of the 3D service information and the 2D service information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiving methodand apparatus and, more particularly, to a digital broadcast receivingmethod for providing a 3D image service and a digital broadcastreceiving apparatus using the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, as the interest in stereoscopic image services is growing,devices for providing stereoscopic images continue to be developed.Among the schemes for implementing such stereoscopic images is astereoscopic scheme.

A basic principle of the stereoscopic scheme is that images arranged tobe perpendicular to the left and right eyes of a person (or a user) areseparately input and each image respectively input to the left and righteyes are combined in the user's brain to generate a stereoscopic image.In this case, the arrangement of the images such that they areperpendicular means that the respective images do not interfere witheach other.

Methods for preventing interference include a polarization scheme, atime-sequential scheme, and a spectral scheme.

First, the polarization scheme is to separate respective images by usinga polarization filter. Namely, the polarization filter perpendicular toan image for the left eye and an image for the right eye is employed toallow different images filtered by the polarization filter to be inputto the left and right visual fields. The time-division scheme is thatleft and right images are alternately displayed and active glasses wornby the user is synchronized with the alternately displayed images tothus separate the respective images. Namely, when the images arealternately displayed, the shutter of the synchronized active glassesopens only the visual field to which a corresponding image is to beinput and blocks the other visual field to separately input the left andright images.

The spectral scheme projects left and right images through a spectralfilter having a spectrum band in which RGB spectrums do not overlap witheach other. With respect to the thusly projected left and right images,the user wears passive glasses including a spectral filter passingthrough only a spectral area set for the left and right images, thusseparately receiving the left and right images.

However, the related art digital broadcast is based on two-dimensional(2D) images. For example, a PSIP (Program and System InformationProtocol) used in the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) typedigital broadcast is targeted only for a 2D image service.

Also, although a 3D image service is provided, it is separately providedfrom the existing 2D image service, and an integrated image service byassociating the existing 2D image service and the 3D image service hasnot been presented yet.

Thus, even if a 3D image service related to the existing 2D imageservice is provided through a certain channel, users cannot know aboutthat unless they check them in advance through program guideinformation, or the like. Also, another problem arises in that a user,who is being provided with a 3D image service, cannot quickly change tothe 2D image service when he wants.

For these reasons, although a user wants to utilize the 3D imageservice, he cannot properly utilize the 3D image service.

Thus, in case a 3D image service with respect to a 2D image service isprovided to a channel through which the existing 2D image service isbeing provided, it is required to signal a channel providing the 3Dimages related to the 2D image channel. Also, when the 3D image serviceis being provided, connection information regarding the 2D image serviceand the 3D image service is required to be provided by signaling thechannel providing the 2D images with respect to the corresponding 3Dimage service.

In addition, a digital broadcast receiving apparatus is required to beconfigured to properly check and process such signaling.

However, a method for providing an integrated image service to users byconnecting a 2D image service and a 3D image service is yet to beimplemented.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcast receiving method and apparatus capable of providing signalingfor a channel providing a 3D image related to a 2D image when a 3D imageservice related to a 2D image service is being provided.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcast receiving method and apparatus capable of providing signalingfor a channel providing a 2D image with respect to a corresponding 3Dimage, when a 3D image service is being provided.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcast receiving method and apparatus capable of providing signalingfor a 3D image signal related to a 2D image channel and also signaling a2D image channel related to a 3D image channel to thus provide anintegrated service with respect to a 2D image and a 3D image to a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcast receiving method and apparatus capable of providing anintegrated service with respect to a 2D image and a 3D image to a user,thus improving user convenience with respect to a 3D image service.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein,there is provided a digital broadcast receiving apparatus for providingan integrated service of a 2D image and a 3D image, including: ademultiplexing unit configured to demultiplex a received digitalbroadcast signal; a PSIP or PSI/SI processor configured to extract atleast any one of 3D service information related to a 2D image channel orservice, and 2D service information related to a 3D image channel orservice from the demultiplexed digital broadcast signal; a decoderconfigured to decode an extension view video stream and a base viewvideo stream from the demultiplexed digital broadcast signal; and anoutput formatting unit configured to format the extension view videostream and the base view video stream based on at least any one of the3D service information and the 2D service information.

When a selection of the 3D image service is input by a user, a 3D imagechannel or service providing a 3D image with respect to the 2D imagechannel or service based on the 3D service information may be selected,and when a selection of the 2D image service is input by the user, a 2Dimage channel or service providing a 2D image with respect to the 3Dimage channel or service based on the 2D service information may beselected.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein,there is also provided a digital broadcast receiving method forproviding an integrated service of a 2D image and a 3D image, including:a first step of receiving a digital broadcast signal and demultiplexingthe received digital broadcast signal; a second step of extracting atleast any one of 3D service information related to a 2D image channel orservice, and 2D service information related to a 3D image channel orservice from the demultiplexed digital broadcast signal; a third step ofdecoding an extension view video stream and a base view video streamfrom the demultiplexed digital broadcast signal; and a fourth step offormatting the extension view video stream and the base view videostream based on at least any one of the 3D service information and the2D service information and displaying the formatted video streams.

In the method and apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when a 3D imageservice related to a 2D image service is being provided, a channelproviding a 3D image related to a 2D image channel can be signaled orprovided.

Also, in the method and apparatus for receiving a digital broadcastaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when a 3Dimage service is being provided, a channel providing a 2D image withrespect to a corresponding 3D image can be signaled or provided.

In addition, in the method and apparatus for receiving a digitalbroadcast according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a3D image channel related to a 2D image channel is signaled and a 2Dimage channel related to a 3D image channel is also signaled, whereby anintegrated service with respect to the 2D image and the 3D image can beprovided to a user.

Moreover, in the method and apparatus for receiving a digital broadcastaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since anintegrated service with respect to a 2D image and a 3D image isprovided, user convenience with respect to the 3D image service can beimproved.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an extended service descriptor providing informationregarding a 3D image channel related to a 2D image channel through aTVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of a PSIP (Program and SystemInformation Protocol) according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a 3D service location descriptor providing informationregarding a 3D image channel providing a 3D image service related to a2D image in the TVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of the PSIP(Program and System Information Protocol) according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows field values of a set descriptor and how a virtual channelis configured according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 4 to 6 show examples of configuring the TVCT of the PSIP includingthe descriptor of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a method for providing connection information regarding a3D image service related to a 2D image through an SDT (ServiceDescription Table) of SI (Service Information) and a PMT (Program MapTable) of PSI (Program Specific Information) used in a DVB (DigitalVideo Broadcasting) type digital broadcast;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of adigital broadcast receiving apparatus according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method for checkingand processing information regarding a 3D image channel by the digitalbroadcast receiving apparatus when the information regarding the 3Dimage channel related to a 2D image channel is provided through the TVCT(Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of the PSIP (Program and SystemInformation Protocol) used in an ATSC type digital broadcast accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method forchecking and processing information regarding a 3D image service by thedigital broadcast receiving apparatus when information regarding the 3Dimage service with respect to a 2D image service is provided through theSDT (Service Description Table) of the SI (Service Information) and thePMT (Program Map Table) of the PSI (Program Specific Information) in theDVB type digital broadcast according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a 3D service location descriptor providinginformation regarding a 2D image channel related to a 3D image channelthrough the TVCT of the PSIP according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show examples of constituting the TVCT of the PSIPincluding the descriptor of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 shows a method for providing information regarding a 2D imageservice related to a 3D image service through the SDT (ServiceDescription Table) of SI (Service Information) and the PMT (Program MapTable) of PSI (Program Specific Information) used in the DVB (DigitalVideo Broadcasting) type digital broadcast;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method forchecking and processing information regarding a 2D image channel by thedigital broadcast receiving apparatus when the information regarding the2D image channel related to a 3D image channel is provided through theTVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of the PSIP (Program and SystemInformation Protocol) used in an ATSC type digital broadcast accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method forchecking and processing information regarding a 2D image service by thedigital broadcast receiving apparatus when information regarding the 2Dimage service with respect to a 3D image service is provided through theSDT (Service Description Table) of the SI (Service Information) and thePMT (Program Map Table) of the PSI (Program Specific Information) in theDVB type digital broadcast according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The term of 3-D or 3D is used to describe a visual expression or displaytechnique for reproducing a 3D video having an illusion effect of depth.As for a left eye image and a right eye image, the visual cortex of anobserver (or a user) interprets the two images as a single 3D image.

A 3D display technique employs 3D image processing and expressingtechniques with respect to a device available for displaying 3D images.Optionally, the device available for displaying 3D images may use aspecial observation device in order to effectively provide 3D images tothe observer.

The 3D image processing and expression techniques may include, forexample, stereoscopic image/video capturing, multi-view/video capturecapturing using a plurality of cameras, processing of a 2D image anddepth information, and the like. Display devices for displaying a 3Dimage may include, for example, an LED (Liquid Crystal Display), adigital TV screen, a computer monitor, or the like, includingappropriate hardware and/or software supporting 3D display techniques.Special observation devices may include, for example, specializedglasses, goggles, head gear, eyewear, and the like.

In detail, the 3D image display techniques may include an anaglyphstereoscopic image processing (which is generally used together withpassive polarized glasses), alternate-frames sequencing (which isgenerally used together with active shutter glasses/head gear), anautostereoscopic display using a lenticular or barrier screen, and thelike. Various concepts and features described hereinafter can beapplicable to such a stereoscopic image display technique.

A 3D image display technique may use an optical device, which rotates oralternately operates, e.g., a segmented polarizer attached to a colorfilter wheel, and in this case, synchronization therebetween isrequired. Another 3D image display technique may use a digital lightprocessor (DLP) based on a digital micromirror device (DMD) using arotatable microscopic mirror disposed in a quadrangular arrangementcorresponding to pixels of an image to be displayed.

Meanwhile, new standards related to a stereoscopic image rendering anddisplay technique (in particular 3D TV) is currently being developed byvarious enterprises, consortiums, and organizations. For example, thenew standards may include SMPTE (the Society of Motion Picture andTelevision Engineers), CEA (Consumer Electronics Association), 3d@Homeconsortium, ITU (International Telecommunication Union), and the like.Besides, other standardization groups such as DVB, BDA, ARIB, ATSC, DVDforum, IEC, etc. are participating. MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)is participating 3D image coding of a multiview image, a stereoscopicimage, and a 2D image having depth information, and currently, amultiview video codec extension with respect to MPEG-4 AVC (advancedvideo coding) is under standardization. Stereoscopic image coding andstereoscopic distribution formatting are related with color shifting(anaglyph), pixel sub-sampling (side-by-side, checkerboard, quincunx,etc.), and enhanced video coding (2D+Delta, 2D+Metadata, 2D having depthinformation). Concepts and features described herein can be applicableto such standards.

In addition, at least a portion of the concepts and features of theinvention described herein are related with a 3D image display techniqueexplained in the aspect of image reproducing and display environmentwith respect to a digital image or a 3D TV. However, details thereof donot limit various features described herein and can be applicable tovarious other types of display techniques and devices. For example, 3DTV techniques can be applicable to Blu-Ray™ technology, console games,cable, IPTV transmissions, mobile phone contents delivery, and the like,as well as to TV broadcasts, and in this case, the 3D TV technique isrequired to be compatible with different types of TVs, a set-top box(STB), a Blu-Ray™ device (e.g., a Blu-Ray™ disk (BD) player), a DVDplayer, and a TV contents distributor.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same referencenumerals denote the same elements throughout the drawings.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an additionaldescriptor is applied to a 2D image channel broadcast via which a 2Dimage is broadcast to perform signaling on channel information providinga relevant 3D image service. Namely, in the present exemplaryembodiment, connection relationship information regarding a 3D imagechannel related to a 2D image channel is obtained through an extendedservice descriptor in the 2D image channel. In this case, in the presentexemplary embodiment, a 3D service location descriptor with respect tothe 3D image is additionally applied also to the 3D image channel.

Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, an additional descriptor isapplied to a 3D image channel via which a 3D image is broadcast, inorder to perform signaling on the channel information providing arelevant 2D image service. Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment,connection relation information regarding a 2D image channel related tothe 3D image channel is obtained through a 3D service locationdescriptor in the 3D image channel.

The present invention proposes the configuration of syntaxes and fieldsof the foregoing descriptors applied to a 2D image channel and a 3Dimage channel. Also, the present invention proposes a digital broadcastreceiving apparatus capable of effectively checking and processing suchdescriptors.

Hereinafter, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, amethod for performing signaling on information regarding a channelthrough which a 3D image service is provided by applying an additionaldescriptor to a 2D image channel through which a 2D image is broadcastwill be first described. And then, in a different exemplary embodimentof the present invention, a method for signaling information regarding achannel through which a relevant 2D image service is being provided byapplying additional descriptor to a 3D image channel through which a 3Dimage is broadcast will be described.

Currently, digital broadcast schemes may be divided into an ATSC(Advanced Television Systems Committee) scheme and a DVB (Digital VideoBroadcasting) scheme. The ATSC scheme is largely used for digitalbroadcasts in North America and the DVB scheme is largely used inEurope.

First, the configuration of an extended service descriptor used toperform signaling on information regarding a 3D image channel related toa 2D image channel and a 3D service location descriptor will bedescribed in detail.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a case in which information regarding a 3D imagechannel related to a 2D image channel is provided through a TVCT(Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of a PSIP (Program and SystemInformation Protocol) used in an ATSC type digital broadcast.

FIG. 1 shows an extended service descriptor providing informationregarding a 3D image channel related to a 2D image channel through theTVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of the PSIP (Program and SystemInformation Protocol) according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. The extended service (EV) descriptor of FIG. 1 isapplied as an additional descriptor with respect to a 2D image channelto perform signaling on the information regarding the channel throughwhich the 3D image service related to the 2D image channel is beingprovided.

Each field constituting the EV descriptor illustrated in FIG. 2according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will nowbe described. For a simple and clear description of the presentinvention, English expressions of the fields constituting a syntax willbe used as it is and discriminated by using double quotation marks.

“descriptor_tag” is a field for discriminating the descriptor, and has avalue of 8 bits.

“descriptor_length” indicates the overall length of a following field bythe number of bits, and has a value of 8 bits.

“number_extended_channels” indicates the number of virtual channels inuse when a 3D image service with respect to a 2D image channel, a mainchannel, is provided, and has a value of 8 bits.

“extended_service_type” indicates a service type of a virtual channelused to provide the 3D image service, and has a value of 8 bits. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, whether a service provided by acorresponding virtual channel is a 3D stereoscopic video or a 3Dmulti-view video can be indicated by the value of this field.

The afore-mentioned video stream transmitted to implement a stereoscopicimage includes data obtained by coding left and right view imagesequences. In this case, one of the two images is a base view video andthe other of the two images than the base view is called an extendedview. In the present exemplary embodiment, the extended view videorefers to a video stream of another view excluding the base view amongthe video streams.

“reserved” is a field which is not currently used in a system but islikely to be used in the future. It is filled with 0 according to thenumber of bits thereof until such is newly defined.

“ext_major_channel_number” indicates “major_channel_number” with respectto a virtual channel providing a 3D image service, and has a value of 10bits. The “major_channel_number” indicates a major channel numberrelated to a virtual channel and is used as a user reference number withrespect to a corresponding virtual channel.

“ext_minor_channel_number” indicates a “minor_channel_number” withrespect to the virtual channel providing the 3D image service, and has avalue of 10 bits. The “minor_channel_number” is used together with the“major_channel_number” as channel numbers of two parts.

“ext_source_id” indicates a “source_id” with respect to the virtualchannel providing the 3D image service, and has a value of 16 bits. The“source_id” indicates a programming source connected to thecorresponding virtual channel, and in this case, the source refers to aparticular source such as video, text, data, or audio.

“ext_channel_TSID” indicates “channel_TSID” with respect to the virtualchannel providing the 3D image service, and has a value of 16 bits.

The “channel_TSID” designates an ID value of an MPEG-2 transport streamconnected to an MPEG-2 transport stream as a reference of a virtualchannel.

“ext_program_number” indicates “program_number” with respect to avirtual channel providing a 3D image service, and has a value of 16bits. The “program_number” is to link a program number defined in thePAT (Program Association Table) and PMT (Program Map Table) of theMPEG-2 system to a virtual channel.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, informationregarding the 3D image channel related to a corresponding 2D imagechannel can be provided via the TVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table)of the PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol) by using anextended service descriptor in the 2D image channel.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a 3D service location descriptor providingvideo stream information in a 3D image related to a 2D image channelthrough the TVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of the PSIP(Program and System Information Protocol) according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Namely, the 3D service location descriptor of FIG. 2 is applied as anadditional descriptor with respect to a 3D image channel signaled by theextended service descriptor of FIG. 1, providing video streaminformation in the corresponding 3D image channel.

The fields constituting the 3D service location descriptor illustratedin FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwill now be described. A repeated description of the same fields will beomitted.

“PCR_PID” indicates a packet identifier (PID) of a packet includingtiming information of a program, and has a value of 13 bits.

“number of views” indicates the number of image streams which can bereceived through a corresponding channel, and has a value of 7 bits.

“stream_type” indicates the type of an elementary stream, and has avalue of 8 bits. For example, when the value of “stream_type” is 0x20,it can be known that the corresponding elementary stream has been codedby an MVC (Multiview Video Codec).

“priority_id” provides information as to which of receivable 3D imagechannels is to be selected when a function for supporting a multiviewimage is limited, and has a value of 7 bits.

When the number of view streams is larger than that which can be outputby the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, a virtual channel to bedecoded and output can be determined by using the “priority_id”. Forexample, in case of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus having astereoscopic display function, image streams whose “priority_id” is 0and 1 are selectively output.

As for the “priority_id”, different values are granted to all the imagestreams, in order to prevent a repeated value from being generated. Thevalue of “priority_id” with respect to a base view video stream is setto be 0. In a different exemplary embodiment, the “priority_id” may beomitted, and in this case, the priority of an image stream may be set tobe determined in order in a 3D service location descriptor.

“elementary_PID” includes a PID (Packet Identifier) of an elementarystream, and has a value of 13 bits.

“left_right_flag” indicates whether or not the position of an extendedview video stream is in a rightward direction or a leftward directionbased on a base view, and has a value of 1 bit. When the position of theextended view video stream is in the leftward direction based on thebase view, this field has a value of 0, and when the position of theextended view video stream is in the rightward direction based on thebase view, this field has a value of 1.

For example, in case of a stereoscopic display, when“left_right_flag”=1, the extended view video stream is decoded andoutput to a right video plane in the stereoscopic display output and thebase view video stream is output to a left video plane. In case of thebase view video stream, this field is disregarded.

“view_position” is indicates by which of left cameras or right camerasin a horizontal direction based on the base view the extended view videostream has been captured, or to which of multi-view planes the extendedview video stream is to be output. This field has a value of 7 bits. Incase of a stereoscopic display, only two of the left and right videostreams are used, so this field is not required to be used.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the position of the extended viewvideo stream or a video plane to which the extended view video stream isto be output can be clearly designated by using the “left_right_flag”and the “view_position”.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, since the 3Dservice location descriptor is additionally applied to the 3D imagechannel related to the 2D image channel, detailed video streaminformation with respect to the corresponding 3D image channel can beprovided through the TVCT of the PSIP.

A method for setting major field values of the foregoing descriptorsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will nowbe described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. Also, a method forsetting video streams in a 2D image channel and a 3D image channel willbe described.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining field values of a set descriptor and howa virtual channel is configured according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

Video streams are generated upon being captured by respective cameras,so each video stream has the same position information as that of acamera by which captured the corresponding video stream.

In FIG. 3, camera 1 is a camera of a base view, and in this case, avideo stream from the camera of the base view is coded by a codec ofMPEG-4 AVC/H.264. A packet identifier (ES_PID) of an elementary streamwith respect to a video stream captured by the camera of the base viewis set to be 0x0200.

Also, a channel number (channel num) of a 2D image channel providing thebase view video stream is set to be 12-1 (namely, channel num=12-1).

Meanwhile, video streams captured by camera 0, camera 2, and camera 3(excluding camera 1 of the base view) constitute extended vide videostreams, all of which are coded by MVC (Multiview Video Codec).

In this case, a position value set for the camera 2 at the firstposition in the rightward direction of the camera 1 of the base view is“left_right_flag”=1 (rightward direction) and “view_position”=0 (firstposition). Also, “Priority_id” indicating priority of a video stream isset to be 1 and a packet identifier (ES_PID) of an elementary streamwith respect to the extended view video stream captured by the camera 2is set to be 0x0300.

A channel number of the 3D image channel providing the 3D image servicewith respect to the 2D image by using the reference view video streamand the extended view video stream captured by the camera 2 is set to be12-2 (namely, channel num=12-2).

Thus, channel number 12-2, a first channel, providing the 3D imageservice related to channel number 12-2, a 2D image channel, has oneextended view video stream, and in this case, the extended view videostream is output to the right video plane in the stereoscopic displayoutput as described above.

Meanwhile, a position value set for the camera 0 at the first positionin the leftward direction of the camera 1 of the base view is“left_right_flag”=0 (leftward direction) and “view_position”=0 (firstposition). Also, “Priority_id” indicating priority of a video stream isset to be 2 and a packet identifier (ES_PID) of an elementary streamwith respect to the extended view video stream captured by the camera 0is set to be 0x0301.

Also, a position value set for the camera 3 at the second position inthe rightward direction of the camera 1 of the base view is“left_right_flag”=1 (rightward direction) and “view_position”=1 (secondposition). Also, “Priority_id” indicating priority of a video stream isset to be 3 and a packet identifier (ES_PID) of an elementary streamwith respect to the extended view video stream captured by the camera 0is set to be 0x0302.

A channel number (channel num) of a 3D image channel providing a 3Dimage service with respect to a 2D image by using the base view videostream and the extended view video streams captured by the camera 0,camera 2, and camera 3 is set to be 12-3 (namely, channel num=12-3).

Accordingly, the channel number 12-3 is a second channel providing the3D image service related to the channel number 12-1, the 2D imagechannel, and the number of the extended view video streams is 3. Thus,the channel number 12-3 can provide a multi-view image.

Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, several extended viewvideo streams are received via a single channel, but the presentinvention is not necessarily limited thereto and the respective extendedview video streams may be received via a separately allocated channel.

Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, the physical channel numberof the 2D image channel and that of the 3D image channel related to the2D image channel are the same (namely, major_channel_number=12), but thepresent invention is not limited thereto and the physical channel numberof the 3D image channel may be set to be different from that of the 2Dimage channel. Namely, for example, when the channel number of the 2Dimage channel is 12-1, the number of the 3D image channel relatedthereto may be set to be 13-2.

In this manner, appropriate position information may be set for thevideo streams generated by the respective cameras, and also, a 3D imagechannel providing a 3D image service related to a 2D image can be set.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show examples of configuring the TVCT of the PSIP includingthe descriptors of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, a service location descriptor for an existing 2Dimage service and an extended service descriptor providing informationregarding a 3D image channel related thereto are included as descriptorswith respect to the channel 12-1, which is a 2D image channel.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a 3D service location descriptorproviding information regarding a video stream is included for thechannels 12-2 and 12-3, which are 3D image channels related to the 2Dimage channel 12-1.

Respective fields of the TVCT illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 will now bedescribed. A description of the same fields which have been alreadydescribed above will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

“table_id” indicates a table to which a corresponding section belongs,and has a value of 8 bits.

“section_syntax_indicator” indicates that a corresponding section iscompatible with PSI (Program Specific Information) of MPEG-2 systemstandards, and has a value of 1 bit.

“private_indicator” indicates that a corresponding table is a privatetable of MPEG-2.

“reserved” is a field which is not currently used in a system but islikely to be used in the future. It is filled with 0 according to thenumber of bits thereof until such is newly defined.

“section_length” indicates, in units of bits/bytes, the length of thetable that follows a corresponding field, and has a value of 12 bits.

“transport_stream_id” identifies a corresponding transport streamcorresponding to each output when several multipliers exist in anetwork, and has a value of 16 bits.

“version_number” indicates the version when a corresponding table iscreated, and has a value of 5 bits. The version number is increasedwhenever content of the table is altered.

“current_next_indicator” indicates whether or not content of acorresponding table is to be currently applied or to be applied nexttime, and has a value of 1 bit.

“section_number” indicates the number of a corresponding section, andhas a value of 8 bits.

“last_section_number” indicates “section_number” of the last section ofa current table, and has a value of 8 bits.

“protocol_version” indicates the version of a protocol currently definedto be used, and has a value of 8 bits.

“num_channels_in_section” designates the number of the entire virtualchannels existing in a TVCT section, and has a value of 8 bits.

“short name” is seven 16-bit character codes coded by UNICODE, andindicates the name of a virtual channel.

“major_channel_number” indicates a major channel number related to avirtual channel, which is used as a user reference number with respectto a corresponding virtual channel and has a 10-bit value.

“minor_channel_number” is used along with the “major_channel_number” soas to be used as channel numbers of two parts, and has a value of 10bits.

“modulation_mode” indicates a modulation scheme with respect to atransmission carrier of a corresponding virtual channel, and has a valueof 8 bits.

“carrier frequency” indicates a carrier frequency related to ananalog/digital transmission of a virtual channel, and has a value of 32bits.

“channel_TSID” designates an ID value of an MPEG-2 transport streamconnected to an MPEG-2 transport stream used as the reference of avirtual channel, and has a value of 16 bits.

“program_number” is used to connect a program number defined in a PAT(Program Association Table) and a PMT (Program Map Table) of the MPEG-2system, and has a value of 16 bits.

“ETM_location” indicates the presence of an ETT (Event Text Table) in atransmitted current channel or at a different position, and has a valueof 2 bits.

“access_controlled” indicates whether or not accessing an eventconnected to a corresponding virtual channel is limited, and has a valueof 1 bit.

“hidden” indicates whether a corresponding virtual channel can bedirectly accessed, and has a value of 1 bit.

“hidden_guide” indicates whether or not a corresponding virtual channeland events thereof are presented in an electronic program guide, and hasa value of 1.

“service_type” discriminates whether or not the type of a servicecarried in a corresponding virtual channel is an analog or ATSC DTV(Digital Television)/audio/data, and has a value of 6 bits.

“source_id” indicates a programming source connected to a correspondingvirtual channel, and has a value of 16 bits. Here, the source refers toa particular source such as video, text, data, or audio.

“descriptors_length” indicates the overall length of a descriptor of acorresponding virtual channel, and has a value of 10 bits.

“additional_descriptors_length” indicates the overall length of all theTVCT descriptors following a current field.

“CRC_(—)32” indicates the value of a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) codeused in the MPEG-2 system standard whose overall section is completed,and has a value of 32 bits. Whether or not a transmitted section has anerror can be discovered by checking the CRC code.

FIG. 4 shows a case in which the value of a variable i is 0 (namely,i=0), in which signaling is performed on channel 12-1, a 2D imagechannel. The channel number 12-1, a 2D image channel, uses the existingservice location descriptor for a 2D image, and signaling is performedon the related channels 12-2 and 12-3, 3D image channels, by using theextended service descriptor.

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 shows a case in which the value of the variable i is 1(namely, i=1), in which signaling is performed on a channel 12-2, afirst 3D image channel related to the 2D image channel. Namely, thechannel 12-2, a 3D image channel, provides information regarding a baseview video stream (namely, j=0) and an extended view video stream #1(namely, j=1) by using the 3D service location descriptor.

FIG. 6 shows a case in which the value of the variable i is 2 (namely,i=2), in which signaling is performed in channel 12-3, a second 3D imagechannel related to the 2D image channel. Namely, the channel 12-3, a 3Dimage channel, provides information regarding a base view video stream(namely, j=0), the extended view video stream #1 (namely, j=1), theextended view video stream #0 (namely, j=2), and the extended view videostream #3 (namely, j=3) by using the 3D service location descriptor.

In this manner, the 3D image channel information related to the 2D imagechannel is provided through the TVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table)of the PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol) in the ATSC typedigital broadcast.

So far, the method for providing the information regarding a 3D imagechannel related to a 2D image channel according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in the ATSC scheme, a digitalbroadcast scheme, which is largely used in North America has beendescribed. Hereinafter, a method for providing information regarding a3D image service related to a 2D image according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in the DVB scheme, a digitalbroadcast scheme, largely used in Europe will now be described.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a method for providing information regarding a3D image service related to a 2D image through an SDT (ServiceDescription Table) of SI (Service Information) and a PMT (Program MapTable) of PSI (Program Specific Information) used in a DVB (DigitalVideo Broadcasting) type digital broadcast.

In FIG. 7, a PAT (Program Association Table) is one of table informationincluded in the PSI (Program Specific Information). Fields illustratedin FIG. 7 will now be described.

“program number” indicates a program for which “program_map_pid” is tobe used in a transport stream, and has a value of 16 bits. Forreference, the “program_map_pid” indicates a PID of a transport streampacket including a program map section which can be applicable to aprogram designated by the “program number”.

“PMT_PID” indicates a PID value of a transport stream packet in whichthe PMT is included.

“stream_type” indicates the type of an elementary stream.

“ES_PID” indicates a PID of the elementary stream.

“service_id” is a number for discriminating a corresponding service froma different service in a transport stream.

“service_type” indicates the type of a service carried in acorresponding virtual channel. Here, when the value of the field is 0x1B(namely, “service_type”=0x1B), it means that a corresponding service isa high definition (HD) image which has been coded by H.264, and when thevalue of this field is 0x1C (namely, “service_type”=0x1C), it means thatthe corresponding service is a 3D image.

“linkage_type” indicates a linkage type in a specific manner. As shownin FIG. 7, when the value of this field is 0x05, it means that thelinkage type is a service replacement service.

“replacement type” indicates a relation type between services. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, when the value of this field is 0x02, itmeans that the service relation type is a 3D stereoscopic type.Meanwhile, when the value of this field is 0x00, the service relationtype is simulcasting of an HD image, and when the value of this field is0x01, it means that the service relation type is SVC (Scalable VideoCoding).

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present exemplary embodiment, signaling isperformed on a 3D image service related to a corresponding service byusing the linkage descriptor linking the corresponding service and therelevant service on the SDT of the SI.

Namely, signaling is performed on the 3D image service related to the 2Dimage by providing service ID information (service_id) of a serviceproviding the relevant 3D image service and relation type information byusing the linkage descriptor. Also, in FIG. 7, the PID information ofeach service is obtained by linking the “service_id” field in the SDTand the “program_number” field in the PMT.

A method for providing linkage information regarding a 3D image servicerelated to a 2D image in the DVB type digital broadcast according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described inmore detail.

First, information regarding a service having a service type of a 2Dimage is obtained from a service loop in the SDT and stored. In FIG. 7,it is noted that a service having a service ID 2 (i.e., “service_id”=2)has a service type 0x1B (i.e., “service_type”=0x1B), namely, a servicetype of a 2D image. Meanwhile, PID (Packet Identifier) informationregarding a service having the service ID 2 (i.e., “service_id”=2) isrecognized through the PMT having a “program_number” field value of 2(i.e., “program_number”=2).

Also, information regarding a service having a 3D service type isobtained from the service loop in the SDT and stored. In FIG. 7, it isnoted that a service having a service ID 3 (i.e., “service_id”=3) has aservice type 0x1C (i.e., “service_type”=0x1C), namely, a service type ofa 3D image. Meanwhile, PID (Packet Identifier) information regarding aservice having the service ID 3 (i.e., “service_id”=3) is recognizedthrough the PMT having a “program_number” field value of 3 (i.e.,“program_number”=3).

Thereafter, service ID (service_id) information regarding a 3D imageservice connected to the 2D image service is recognized through thelinkage descriptor. As shown in FIG. 7, it is noted that a service of a2D image having the service ID 2 (namely, “service_id”=2 and“service_type”=0x1B) is linked to a service of a 3D image having aservice ID 3 (namely, “service_id”=3 and “service_type”=0x1C) throughthe linkage descriptor.

A decoding operation and a display output with respect to an audiostream, a base view video stream, and an extended view video streamincluded in each service will be described in detail later.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, the linkageinformation of the 3D image service related to the 2D image can beprovided through the SDT of the SI and the PMT of the PSI in the DVBtype digital broadcast.

The configuration and operation of the digital broadcast receivingapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwill now be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematicblock diagram of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a tunerunit 800 configured to receive a digital broadcast signal, detect thereceived signal and correct an error to generate a transport stream, ademultiplexing unit 810 configured to filter and parse the transportstream, a PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 configured to extract information(referred to as ‘3D linkage information’, hereinafter) regarding a 3Dimage channel providing a 3D image service related to a 2D imagereceived from the demultiplexing unit 810, a 3D video decoder 830including a base view video decoder 832 for decoding an elementarystream with respect to a base view video and an extended view videodecoder 834 for decoding an elementary stream with respect to anextended view video, and an output formatting unit 840 configured toformat the decoded extended view video stream and the decoded base viewvideo stream according to a stereoscopic image display output.

The operation of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus configured asdescribed above will now be described in detail.

First, the tuner unit 800 receives a digital broadcast signal,demodulates the received signal, detects the demodulated signal, andcorrects an error of the signal to generate a transport stream. Ingeneral, image data transmitted by the digital broadcast signal isformatted in the form of a transport stream of an MPEG (Moving PictureExperts Group) system.

The demultiplexing unit 810 filters and parses the transport stream tofilter out a desired packet, and generates an elementary stream withrespect to image information and audio information.

The PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 receives table information such as aPMT (Program Map Table), a TVCT (Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table), anSDT (Service Description Table), or the like, and extracts informationregarding a 3D image channel providing a 3D image service, namely, 3Dservice information, related to a 2D image.

The 3D video decoder 830 decodes an elementary stream including a baseview video stream and an elementary stream including an extended viewvideo stream to generate a base view video stream, an extended viewvideo stream, and the like. Here, the elementary stream including thebase view video stream is decoded by the base view video decoder 832,and the elementary stream including the extended view video stream isdecoded by the extended view video decoder 834.

When the extended view video stream is coded by the MVC (Multiview VideoCodec), decoding on the extended view video stream is performed by usinga corresponding base view video frame as a reference. Thus, decodingcannot be performed on the extended view video stream until the baseview video frame is transferred to the extended view video decoder 834.

For this reason, although the decoding operation on the base view videostream has been completed, a video stream input to the output formattingunit 840 may be delayed until when the decoding operation on theextended view video stream is completed.

Meanwhile, when the extended view video stream is coded through MPEG-4AVC (Advanced Video Coding), the extended view video decoder 834 mayseparately operate from the base view video decoder 832, so the decodingoperation can be performed in parallel. Thus, in this case, such delayin input of the video stream to the output formatting unit 840 can bereduced.

Thereafter, the output formatting unit 840 formats the base view videostream and the extended view video stream according to a stereoscopicimage display output based on the position information regarding theextended view video stream according to the stereoscopic display outputand then transmits the same.

In case of the a stereoscopic display, in order to format the base viewvideo stream and the extended view video stream according to thestereoscopic display output, the output formatting unit 840 uses theposition information of the extended view video stream. In this case,the “right_left_flag” field of the extended view video stream may beused as the location information.

For example, when the “right_left_flag” field value of the extended viewvideo stream is 0, the position of the extended view video stream is inthe leftward direction of the base view video stream, so the outputformatting unit 840 formats the extended view video stream such that itis output to the left video plane and the base view video stream suchthat it is output to the right video plane.

Meanwhile, when the “right_left_flag” field value of the extended viewvideo stream is 1, the position of the extended view video stream is inthe rightward direction of the base view video stream, so the outputformatting unit 840 formats the extended view video stream such that itis output to the right video plane and the base view video stream suchthat it is output to the left video plane.

In this manner, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention can check and processthe information regarding the 3D image channel related to the 2D image,and thus, when the user selects a 3D image service with respect to a 2Dimage, the user can quickly move to the corresponding 3D image channel,thus improving user convenience.

Hereinafter, a method for checking and processing information regardinga 3D image service information related to a 2D image in ATSC type andDVB type schemes by the digital broadcast receiving apparatus accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method for checkingand processing information regarding a 3D image channel by the digitalbroadcast receiving apparatus when the information regarding the 3Dimage channel related to a 2D image channel is provided through the TVCT(Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of the PSIP (Program and SystemInformation Protocol) used in the ATSC type digital broadcast accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

First, with respect to a transport stream output from the tuner unit800, the demultiplexing unit 810 filters transport stream packets thatinclude table information and then parses section data by using table IDinformation (table_id) to obtain a TVCT (step S910). In this case, thePID of the transport stream packet including the TVCT is set to have avalue of 0x1FFB.

The PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 reads a service location descriptor andan extended service descriptor of a 2D image channel by using servicetype (service_type) information from the TVCT, and stores thedescriptors (step S920).

Also, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes channel informationregarding the extended view video stream by using the extended servicedescriptor (step S930). Selectively, after the PSIP or PSI/SI processor820 recognizes the channel information regarding the extended view videostream, it may indicate that a 3D image service can be available overthe corresponding 2D image.

The PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes packet identifier (PID)information regarding the base view video stream and the extended viewvideo stream by using the 3D service location descriptor of the channelthat includes the extended view video stream (step S940).

When a selection of a 2D image service is input by the user, a 2D imagechannel providing a 2D image is selected (step S942).

The demultiplexing unit 819 performs PID filtering on the base viewvideo stream by using the PID information of the base view video stream,and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D video decoder 830 decodesa corresponding elementary stream and then transmits the decodedelementary stream (step S944).

Thereafter, the decoded base view video stream is displayed as a 2Dimage (step S946).

Meanwhile, when a selection of a 3D image service is input by the user,a 3D image channel with respect to a 2D image is selected (step S950).If it is assumed that the corresponding 3D image channel provides a 3Dstereoscopic image, a service type (service_type) of the channel is a3DTV (namely, “service_type”=3DTV) and the number of streams(number_of_views) is two (namely, a base view video stream and oneextended view video stream).

The demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the base viewvideo stream by using the PID information of the base view video stream,and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D video decoder 830 decodesa corresponding elementary stream (step S960).

Also, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the extendedview video stream by using the PID information regarding the extendedview video stream, and the extended view video decoder 834 of the 3Dvideo decoder 830 decodes the corresponding elementary stream (stepS970).

Thereafter, the output formatting unit 840 formats the decoded extendedview video stream and the base view video stream according to astereoscopic display output, and then outputs the formatted streams(step S980).

In this manner, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when 3D imageservice information related to a 2D image is provided through the PSIPand TVCT, the 3D image service information can be checked and processed,thus providing an integrated service of a 2D image and a 3D image.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method forchecking and processing information regarding a 3D image service by thedigital broadcast receiving apparatus when information regarding the 3Dimage service with respect to a 2D image is provided through the SDT(Service Description Table) of the SI (Service Information) and the PMT(Program Map Table) of the PSI (Program Specific Information) in the DVBtype digital broadcast according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

First, with respect to a transport stream output from the tuner unit800, the demultiplexing unit 810 filters transport stream packets thatinclude table information and then parses section data by using table IDinformation (table_id) to obtain an SDT (step S1010).

The PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 obtains information regarding a servicehaving a service type of a 2D image in the service descriptor from theservice loop of the SDT and stores the obtained information (stepS1020). In the present exemplary embodiment, through this process, PMTinformation regarding the 2D image service is obtained and stored.

Also, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 obtains information regarding aservice having a 3D service type from the service loop of the SDT andstores the obtained information (step S1030). In the present exemplaryembodiment, through this process, PMT information regarding the 3D imageservice is obtained and stored.

Meanwhile, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes service IDinformation (service_id) regarding the 3D image service connected to the2D image service by using the linkage descriptor (step S1040).Selectively, after the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes theservice ID information (service_id) regarding the 3D image service, itmay display the availability of the 3D image service with respect to thecorresponding 2D image.

Thereafter, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes the PIDinformation regarding the extended view video stream by using the PMTinformation regarding the 3D image service which has been previouslystored (step S1050).

When a selection of the 2D image service is input by the user, the 2Dimage service providing a 2D image is selected (step S1052).

Next, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the baseview video stream by using the PDI information of the base view videostream, and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D video decoder 830decodes the corresponding elementary stream and then transmits thedecoded elementary stream (step S1054).

Thereafter, the decoded base view video stream is displayed as a 2Dimage (step S1056).

Meanwhile, when a selection of a 3D image service is input by the user,the 3D image service related to the 2D image service is selected (stepS1060). When the corresponding 3D image service provides a 3Dstereoscopic image, the service type (service_type) is 3DTV (i.e.,“service_type”=3DTV) and the number of streams (number of views) is 2(namely, one base view video stream and one extended view video stream).

Thereafter, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on thebase view video stream by using the PID information of the base viewvideo stream, and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D videodecoder 830 performs decoding on the corresponding elementary stream(step S1070).

Also, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the extendedview video stream, and the extended view video decoder 834 of the 3Dvideo decoder 830 performs decoding on the corresponding elementarystream (step S1080).

Thereafter, the output formatting unit 840 formats the decoded extendedview video stream and the extended base view video stream according to astereoscopic image display, and then transmits the same (step S1090).

In this manner, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when 3D imageservice information related to a 2D image is provided through the SDTService Description Table) of the SI (Service Information) and the PMT(Program Map Table) of the PSI (Program Specific Information), the 3Dimage service information can be checked and processed, thus providingan integrated service of 2D and 3D images.

A method for performing signaling on channel information providing arelated 2D image service by applying an additional descriptor to a 3Dimage channel broadcasting 3D image according to a different exemplaryembodiment will now be described.

First, the configuration of a 3D service location descriptor used toperform signaling on information regarding a 2D image channel related toa 3D image channel will be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a 3D service location descriptor providinginformation regarding a 2D image channel related to a 3D image channelthrough the TVCT of the PSIP according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Each field constituting the 3D service location descriptor illustratedin FIG. 11 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwill now be described. For a simple and clear description of the presentinvention, English expressions of the fields constituting a syntax willbe used as it is and discriminated by using double quotation marks.

“descriptor_tag” is a field for discriminating the descriptor, and has avalue of 8 bits.

“descriptor_length” indicates the overall length of a following field bythe number of bits, and has a value of 8 bits.

“reserved” is a field which is not currently used in a system but islikely to be used in the future. It is filled with 0 according to thenumber of bits thereof until such is newly defined.

“PCR_PID” indicates a packet identifier (PID) of a packet includingtiming information of a program, and has a value of 13 bits.

“base_view_major_channel_number” indicates “major_channel_number” withrespect to a virtual channel providing a 2D image service, and has avalue of 10 bits. The “major_channel_number” indicates a major channelnumber related to a virtual channel, and is used as a user referencenumber with respect to the corresponding virtual channel.

“base_view_minor_channel_number” indicates “minor_channel_number” withrespect to a virtual channel providing a 2D image service, and has avalue of 10 bits. The “minor_channel_number” is used together with the“major_channel_number” as channel numbers of two parts.

“base_view_source_id” indicates “source_id” with respect to a virtualchannel providing a 2D image service, and has a value of 16 bits. The“source_id” indicates a programming source connected to thecorresponding virtual channel, and in this case, the source refers to asingle particular source such as video, text, data, or audio.

“base_view_channel_TSID” indicates “channel_TSID” with respect to avirtual channel providing a 2D image service, and has a value of 16bits.

The “channel_TSID” designates an ID value of an MPEG-2 transport streamconnected to an MPEG-2 transport stream used as a reference (or basis)of a virtual channel.

“base_view_program_number” indicates “program_number” with respect to avirtual channel providing a 2D image service, and has a value of 16bits. The “program_number” is to link a program number defined in a PAT(Program Association Table) and a PMT (Program Map Table) of the MPEG-2system to a virtual channel

“number_of_views” indicates the number of image streams which can bereceived through a corresponding channel, and has a value of 7 bits.

“stream_type” indicates the type of an elementary stream, and has avalue of 8 bits. For example, when the value of “stream_type” is 0x20,it can be noted that a corresponding elementary stream has been coded bythe MVC (Multiview Video Codec).

“format_identifier” checks an entity providing the value of“stream_type”, and has a value of 32 bits.

“length_of_details” indicates (in units of bytes) the length of“stream_info_details” that comes later, and has a value of 8 bits.

“extended_service_type” indicates a service type (service_type) of avirtual channel used to provide a 3D image service, and has a value of 8bits.

In the present exemplary embodiment, whether a service provided by acorresponding virtual channel is a 3D stereoscopic image or a 3Dmulti-view image can be indicated by the value of this field.

“elementary_PID” includes a packet identifier (PD) of an elementarystream, and has a value of 13 bits.

“priority_id” provides information regarding which of receivable 3Dimage channels is to be selected when a support function with respect toa multiview image is limited, and has a value of 7 bits.

When the number of view streams is greater than the number which can beoutput by the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, a virtual channelto be decided and output can be determined by using the “priority_id”.For example, in case of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus having astereoscopic display function, an image stream having “priority_id” of 0and 1.

Different values of “priority_id” are granted to every image stream, sothat a repeated value cannot be generated. The “priority_id” value withrespect to a base view video stream is set to be 0. In a differentexemplary embodiment, “priority_id” may be omitted, and in this case,the priority with respect to image streams is determined to be the orderin the 3D service location descriptor.

“left_right_flag” indicates whether or not the position of an extendedview video stream is in a rightward direction or a leftward directionbased on a base view, and has a value of 1 bit. When the position of theextended view video stream is in the leftward direction based on thebase view, this field has a value of 0, and when the position of theextended view video stream is in the rightward direction based on thebase view, this field has a value of 1.

For example, in case of a stereoscopic display, when“left_right_flag”=1, the extended view video stream is decoded andoutput to a right video plane in the stereoscopic display output and thebase view video stream is output to a left video plane. In case of thebase view video stream, this field is disregarded.

“view_position” is indicates by which of left cameras or right camerasin a horizontal direction based on the base view the extended view videostream has been captured, or to which of multi-view planes the extendedview video stream is to be output. This field has a value of 7 bits. Incase of a stereoscopic display, only two of the left and right videostreams are used, so this field is not required to be used.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the position of the extended viewvideo stream or a video plane to which the extended view video stream isto be output can be clearly designated by using the “left_right_flag”and the “view_position”.

In this manner, information regarding a 2D image channel related to acorresponding 3D image channel can be provided in the TVCT (TerrestrialVirtual Channel Table) of the PSIP (Program and System InformationProtocol) by using the 3D service location descriptor with respect tothe 3D image channel.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show examples of constituting the TVCT of the PSIPincluding the descriptor of FIG. 11.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, signaling is performed on the channel 12-1 of FIG.3, a 2D image channel using the base view video stream, in the samemanner as that of the existing method.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, information regarding a videostream in a 2D image channel and each channel is provided by using the3D service location descriptor with respect to the channels 12-2 and12-3 of FIG. 3, the 3D image channels. The respective fields of the TVCTillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 are the same as those in FIG. 4 describedabove, so a description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the value of a variable is 0 (i.e., i=0), it relatesto the channel 12-1, a 2D image channel, and signaling is performed onthe channel by using the existing service location descriptor asdescribed above.

Meanwhile, FIG. 12 shows a case in which the value of the variable i is1 (namely, i=1), in which signaling is performed on a channel 12-2, afirst 3D image channel. Namely, with respect to the channel 12-2, i.e.,a 3D image channel, information regarding a 2D image channel providing a2D image with respect to a 3D image is provided, and also, informationregarding a base view video stream (namely, j=0) and an extended viewvideo stream #1 (namely, j=1) is provided by using the 3D servicelocation descriptor according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a case in which the value of the variable i is 2 (namely,i=2), in which signaling is performed in channel 12-3, a second 3D imagechannel. Namely, with respect to the channel 12-3, i.e., a 3D imagechannel, information regarding a 2D image channel providing a 2D imagewith respect to a 3D image is provided, and information regarding thebase view video stream (namely, j=0), the extended view video stream #1(namely, j=1), the extended view video stream #0 (namely, j=2), and theextended view video stream #3 (namely, j=3) are provided by using the 3Dservice location descriptor according to the present exemplaryembodiment.

In this manner, since the information of the 2D image channel related tothe 3D image channel is provided through the TVCT (Terrestrial VirtualChannel Table) of the PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol) inthe ATSC type digital broadcast, the integrated service with respect to2D and 3D images can be provided.

So far, the method for providing the information regarding a 2D imagechannel related to a 3D image channel according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in the ATSC scheme, a digitalbroadcast scheme, which is largely used in North America has beendescribed. Hereinafter, a method for providing information regarding a2D image service related to a 3D image service according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in the DVB scheme, a digitalbroadcast scheme, largely used in Europe will now be described.

FIG. 14 shows a method for providing information regarding a 2D imageservice related to a 3D image service through the SDT (ServiceDescription Table) of the SI (Service Information) and the PMT (ProgramMap Table) of the PSI (Program Specific Information) used in a DVB(Digital Video Broadcasting) type digital broadcast.

In FIG. 14, the PAT (Program Association Table) is one of the tableinformation included in the PSI (Program Specific Information). Fieldsillustrated in FIG. 14 are the same as those described above withreference to FIG. 7, so a description thereof will be omitted for thesake of brevity.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the present exemplary embodiment, signaling isperformed on a 2D image service related to a corresponding service byusing the linkage descriptor linking the corresponding service and therelevant service on the SDT of the SI.

Namely, signaling is performed on the 2D image service related to the 3Dimage service by providing service ID information (service_id) of aservice providing the relevant 3D image service and relation typeinformation by using the linkage descriptor. Also, in FIG. 14, the PIDinformation of each service is obtained by linking the “service_id”field in the SDT and the “program_number” field in the PMT.

A method for providing linkage information regarding a 2D image servicerelated to a 3D image service in the DVB type digital broadcastaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will nowbe described in more detail.

First, information regarding a service having a service type of a 2Dimage is obtained from a service loop in the SDT and stored. In FIG. 14,it is noted that a service having a service ID 2 (i.e., “service_id”=2)has a service type 0x1B (i.e., “service_type”=0x1B), namely, a servicetype of a 2D image. Meanwhile, PID (Packet Identifier) informationregarding a service having the service ID 2 (i.e., “service_id”=2) isrecognized through the PMT having a “program_number” field value of 2(i.e., “program_number”=2).

Also, information regarding a service having a 3D service type isobtained from the service loop in the SDT and stored. In FIG. 7, it isnoted that a service having a service ID 3 (i.e., “service_id”=3) has aservice type 0x1C (i.e., “service_type”=0x1C), namely, a service type ofa 3D image. Meanwhile, PID (Packet Identifier) information regarding aservice having the service ID 3 (i.e., “service_id”=3) is recognizedthrough the PMT having a “program_number” field value of 3 (i.e.,“program_number”=3).

Thereafter, service ID (service_id) information regarding a 2D imageservice connected to the 3D image service is recognized through thelinkage descriptor. As shown in FIG. 14, it is noted that a service of a3D image having the service ID 3 (namely, “service_id”=3 and“service_type”=0x1C) is linked to a service of a 2D image having aservice ID 2 (namely, “service_id”=2 and “service_type”=0x1B) throughthe linkage descriptor.

A decoding operation and a display output with respect to a audiostream, a base view video stream, and an extended view video streamincluded in each service will be described in detail later.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, the linkageinformation of the 2D image service related to the 3D image service canbe provided through the SDT of the SI and the PMT of the PSI in the DVBtype digital broadcast.

Hereinafter, a method for checking and processing 2D service informationrelated to a 3D image in the ATSC scheme by the digital broadcastreceiving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described with reference to FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method forchecking and processing information regarding a 2D image channel by thedigital broadcast receiving apparatus when the information regarding the2D image channel related to a 3D image is provided through the TVCT(Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table) of the PSIP (Program and SystemInformation Protocol) used in an ATSC type digital broadcast accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

First, with respect to a transport stream output from the tuner unit800, the demultiplexing unit 810 filters transport stream packets thatinclude table information and then parses section data by using table IDinformation (table_id) to obtain a TVCT (step S1510). In this case, thePID of the transport stream packet including the TVCT is set to have avalue of 0x1FFB.

The PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 obtains a service location descriptorwith respect to a 2D image channel having a service type (service_type)of a 2D image from a channel loop in the TVCT and stores the same (stepS1520).

Also, PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 obtains a 3D service locationdescriptor with respect to a 3D image channel having a service type(service_type) of a 3D image from the channel loop in the TVCT, andstores the same (step S1530).

Also, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes information regardingthe 2D image channel linked to the 3D image channel by using the 3Dservice location descriptor (step S1540). Selectively, after the PSIP orPSI/SI processor 820 recognizes the information regarding the 2D imagechannel connected to the 3D image channel, it may display theavailability of the 2D image service with respect to the corresponding3D images.

Also, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes packet identifier(PID) information regarding an extended view video stream by using the3D service location descriptor (step S1550).

When a selection with respect to the 2D image service is input by theuser, the 2D image channel providing a 2D image is selected (stepS1552).

Next, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the baseview video stream by using the PDI information of the base view videostream, and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D video decoder 830decodes the corresponding elementary stream and then transmits thedecoded elementary stream (step S1554).

Thereafter, the decoded base view video stream is displayed as a 2Dimage (step S1556).

Meanwhile, when a selection of a 3D image service is input by the user,the 3D image channel providing a 3D image is selected (step S1560). Whenthe corresponding 3D image service provides a 3D stereoscopic image, theservice type (service_type) is 3DTV (i.e., “service_type”=3DTV) and thenumber of streams (number of views) is 2 (namely, one base view videostream and one extended view video stream).

Thereafter, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on thebase view video stream by using the PID information of the base viewvideo stream, and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D videodecoder 830 performs decoding on the corresponding elementary stream(step S1570).

Also, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the extendedview video stream, and the extended view video decoder 834 of the 3Dvideo decoder 830 performs decoding on the corresponding elementarystream (step S1580).

Thereafter, the output formatting unit 840 formats the decoded extendedview video stream and the extended base view video stream according to astereoscopic image display, and then transmits the same (step S1590).

In this manner, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when 2D imageservice information related to 3D images is provided through the TVCT ofthe PSIP, the 2D image service information can be checked and processed,thus providing an integrated service of 2D and 3D images.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating the process of a method forchecking and processing information regarding a 2D image service by thedigital broadcast receiving apparatus when information regarding the 2Dimage service with respect to a 3D image is provided through the SDT(Service Description Table) of the SI (Service Information) and the PMT(Program Map Table) of the PSI (Program Specific Information) in the DVBtype digital broadcast according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

First, with respect to a transport stream output from the tuner unit800, the demultiplexing unit 810 filters transport stream packets thatinclude table information and then parses section data by using table IDinformation (table_id) to obtain an SDT (step S1610).

The PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 obtains information regarding a servicehaving a service type of a 2D image in the service descriptor from theservice loop of the SDT and stores the obtained information (stepS1620). In the present exemplary embodiment, through this process, PMTinformation regarding the 2D image service is obtained and stored.

Also, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 obtains information regarding aservice having a 3D service type from the service loop of the SDT andstores the obtained information (step S1630). In the present exemplaryembodiment, through this process, PMT information regarding the 3D imageservice is obtained and stored.

Meanwhile, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes service IDinformation (service_id) regarding the 3D image service linked to the 3Dimage service by using the linkage descriptor (step S1640). Selectively,after the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes the service IDinformation (service_id) regarding the 2D image service, it may displaythe availability of the 2D image service with respect to thecorresponding 3D image.

Thereafter, the PSIP or PSI/SI processor 820 recognizes the PIDinformation regarding the extended view video stream by using the PMTinformation regarding the 3D image service which has been previouslystored (step S1650).

When a selection of the 2D image service is input by the user, the 2Dimage service providing a 2D image is selected (step S1652).

Next, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the baseview video stream by using the PDI information of the base view videostream, and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D video decoder 830decodes the corresponding elementary stream and then transmits thedecoded elementary stream (step S1654).

Thereafter, the decoded base view video stream is displayed as a 2Dimage (step S1656).

Meanwhile, when a selection of a 3D image service is input by the user,the 3D image service providing a 3D image is selected (step S1660). Whenthe corresponding 3D image service provides a 3D stereoscopic image, theservice type (service_type) is 3DTV (i.e., “service_type”=3DTV) and thenumber of streams (number_of_views) is 2 (namely, one base view videostream and one extended view video stream).

Thereafter, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on thebase view video stream by using the PID information of the base viewvideo stream, and the base view video decoder 832 of the 3D videodecoder 830 performs decoding on the corresponding elementary stream(step S1670).

Also, the demultiplexing unit 810 performs PID filtering on the extendedview video stream, and the extended view video decoder 834 of the 3Dvideo decoder 830 performs decoding on the corresponding elementarystream (step S1680).

Thereafter, the output formatting unit 840 formats the decoded extendedview video stream and the extended base view video stream according to astereoscopic image display, and then transmits the same (step S1690).

In this manner, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when 2D imageservice information related to a 3D image is provided through the SDTService Description Table) of the SI (Service Information) and the PMT(Program Map Table) of the PSI (Program Specific Information), the 2Dimage service information can be checked and processed, thus providingan integrated service of a 2D image and a 3D image.

As so far described, in the digital broadcast receiving method andapparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, the presence of a 3D image service related to a 2D image canbe signaled and the presence of a 2D image service related to a 3D imagecan be also signaled, whereby an integrated service with respect to a 2Dimage and a 3D image can be provided, and thus, user convenience can beimproved.

Various features and concepts described here can be implemented bysoftware, hardware, firmware, middleware, or a combination thereof. Forexample, a computer program (which is executed by a computer, aprocessor, a controller, or the like) stored in a computer-executablemedium to implement the method and apparatus for receiving astereoscopic image signal in a digital broadcast may include one or moreprogram code sections performing various operations. Similarly, softwaretools (which are executed by a computer, a processor, a controller, orthe like) stored in a computer-executable medium to implement the methodand apparatus for receiving a stereoscopic image signal in a digitalbroadcast may include part of program codes performing variousoperations.

The present invention can be applicable to various types of devices,namely, a digital TV, an LCD display device, a personal media player(PMP), a mobile phone, or the like, configured to receive and process adigital broadcast signal.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, itshould also be understood that the above-described embodiments are notlimited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unlessotherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within itsscope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes andmodifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, orequivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to beembraced by the appended claims.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A method comprising: receiving one or morebroadcast data streams for supporting a 3D broadcast service based onmulti-view video coding MVC and a plurality of descriptors indicatinginformation associated with the one or more broadcast data streams;obtaining information related to association between MVC views and leftor right eye by using at least one of the descriptors, said at least oneof the descriptors having a value that determines whether a base view isassociated with left eye view or right eye view; and processing thebroadcast data streams using the obtained information related toassociation between MVC views and left or right eye.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein said at least one of the descriptors includes firstand second syntax elements indicating which view, left or right, hasbeen assigned to the base view through combination of the first andsecond syntax elements.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprisingidentifying whether the one or more broadcast data streams is anelementary stream of a MVC video.
 21. The method of claim 20, whereinsaid at least one of the descriptors indicates whether the elementarystream of the MVC video is associated with left eye view or right eyeview.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein said at least one of thedescriptors is included in in a Program Association Table PAT or aProgram Map Table PMT.
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein a MVC videostream corresponding to the base view is displayed on its own for a 2Dservice.
 24. A method comprising: encoding one or more broadcast datastreams for supporting a 3D broadcast service based on multi-view videocoding MVC and a plurality of descriptors indicating informationassociated with the one or more broadcast data streams; andtransmitting, to a receiver, the one or more broadcast data streams withthe descriptors such that the receiver employs at least one of thedescriptors to support the 3D broadcast services, wherein at least oneof the descriptors has a value that determines whether a base view isassociated with left eye view or right eye view such that the receiverobtains information related to association between MVC views and left orright eye by using said at least one of the descriptors.
 25. The methodof claim 24, wherein said at least one of the descriptors includes firstand second syntax elements indicating which view, left or right, hasbeen assigned to the base view through combination of the first andsecond syntax elements.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein said atleast one of the descriptors is included in in a Program AssociationTable PAT or a Program Map Table PMT.
 27. The method of claim 26,wherein the Program Association Table PAT has a stream type field thatindicates whether an elementary stream of a MVC video is associated withleft eye view or right eye view.
 28. An apparatus comprising: meansadapted for receiving one or more broadcast data streams for supportinga 3D broadcast service based on multi-view video coding MVC and aplurality of descriptors indicating information associated with the oneor more broadcast data streams; means adapted for obtaining informationrelated to association between MVC views and left or right eye by usingat least one of the descriptors, said at least one of the descriptorshaving a value that determines whether a base view is associated withleft eye view or right eye view; and means adapted for processing thebroadcast data streams using the obtained information related toassociation between MVC views and left or right eye.
 29. The apparatusof claim 28, wherein said at least one of the descriptors includes firstand second syntax elements indicating which view, left or right, hasbeen assigned to the base view through combination of the first andsecond syntax elements.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28, furthercomprising means adapted for identifying whether the one or morebroadcast data streams is an elementary stream of a MVC video.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 30, wherein said at least one of the descriptorsindicates whether the elementary stream of the MVC video is associatedwith left eye view or right eye view.
 32. An apparatus comprising: meansadapted for encoding one or more broadcast data streams for supporting a3D broadcast service based on multi-view video coding MVC and aplurality of descriptors indicating information associated with the oneor more broadcast data streams; and means adapted for transmitting, to areceiver, the one or more broadcast data streams with the descriptorssuch that the receiver employs at least one of the descriptors tosupport the 3D broadcast services, wherein at least one of thedescriptors has a value that determines whether a base view isassociated with left eye view or right eye view such that the receiverobtains information related to association between MVC views and left orright eye by using said at least one of the descriptors.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 32, wherein said at least one of the descriptorsincludes first and second syntax elements indicating which view, left orright, has been assigned to the base view through combination of thefirst and second syntax elements.
 34. The method of claim 32, whereinsaid at least one of the descriptors is included in in a ProgramAssociation Table PAT or a Program Map Table PMT, and wherein theProgram Association Table PAT has a stream type field that indicateswhether an elementary stream of a MVC video is associated with left eyeview or right eye view.